Industries that Utilize Waterjet Cutting

Because of their versatility, waterjets are an integral part of many industries. Here are a few of them.

Aerospace

AerospaceA waterjet-cut strut that is made of carbon fiber.

Waterjets are good at cutting carbon fiber composites for modern wing and fuselage components. Waterjets are also the preferred method to cut metals such as titanium that are subject to work hardening, as well as the superalloys used in jet engines.

Architecture

ArchitectureAn artisan glass panel that was cut with a waterjet.

Decorative stone patterns, floor tile patterns, building facades, and stained glass are all the waterjet’s niche. Ornamental metalwork and furniture components are also applications for waterjet cutting.

Art

ArtAn aluminum design that was cut with a waterjet.

Waterjets can cut almost anything, opening worlds of possibilities to creative minds.

Automotive

AutomotiveWaterjet-cut gaskets. No abrasive was used for this cut.

Waterjets are used to cut components for the interiors of vehicles, especially insulation, liners, panels, and carpet. All types of gaskets are also cut in waterjets.

Electronics

Circuit BoardA circuit board that was trimmed to shape with a waterjet.

Waterjets are gentle enough to cut circuit boards. They are also appropriate for cutting sheet metal enclosures.

Food

FoodSteaks that were cut to shape with a pure waterjet.

Pure waterjet cutting is the cleanest cutting method, so it is perfect for cutting food. There is no cross-contamination from knife blades, and the water “knife” is always razor-sharp. Pure waterjets are used to cut meats, vegetables, cakes, and candies.

Labs

LabsTensile coupon test specimens that were cut with a waterjet.

For material testing in laboratories, waterjets excel at cutting specimens that are free of work hardening, residual mechanical stresses, heat-affected zones, contamination, and edge defects. Waterjets are suitable for cutting test coupons for mechanical testing in almost any material.

Manufacturing

ManufacturingA waterjet cutting angled holes in a domed surface.

Regarding waterjet cutting, the keyword is versatility. Fiberglass, composites, and graphite are all perfect applications for waterjet cutting. Waterjets also excel at cutting metals that are subject to work hardening (titanium and Inconel), very hard metals, and thick plates.

Where do we stop? Waterjets can cut almost anything. Waterjets are also more accurate than many other cutting methods, and they cut without creating residual mechanical stresses or heat affected zones.

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